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Publication Number
US-9511001-B2
Publication Date
2016-12-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a secured medical-supply cabinet comprising slidable drawer units within a drawer housing, an electronic controller, and movable belt covers. Each drawer unit includes a top frame with an opening, a shell, and an insert divided into multiple compartments. In response to a user request, the electronic controller directs a belt actuator to align a belt opening with the top-frame opening and a selected compartment.
Belt movement is supported by the insert disposed between the top frame and shell, with flanges separating the belt from the shell during motion. The belt actuator selects a shorter belt-travel direction to reduce access time during operation. Furthermore, sensors track belt position while locking and tamper-detection features restrict and record unauthorized movement.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims include one independent claim, claim 1, and four dependent claims. Seven inventive features capture the cabinet structure and controlled belt access in the independent claim, together with the refinements stated in the dependent claims.
Slidable drawer units with compartments
The secured cabinet has a drawer housing and multiple drawer units that slide between extended and retracted positions. Each drawer unit includes a top frame with an opening, a shell coupled to the top frame, and an insert divided into at least a first compartment and a second compartment.
Insert flanges that separate the belt from the shell
The insert has flanges extending from it and contacting receiving portions of the shell, separating the belt from the shell during movement.
Movable belt aligned with a selected compartment
The belt is moveably supported by the insert and has an opening that moves into alignment with the top-frame opening and either the first or second compartment.
Controller-directed belt actuator
A belt actuator supported by the insert moves the belt. The electronic controller communicates with the belt actuators and, in response to a user request to access a compartment, directs the actuator of the corresponding drawer unit to move the belt.
Restraining devices for compartment items
Restraining devices are coupled to the insert to hold items in the first and second compartments.
Belt movement relative to the drawer unit
The controller moves a drawer unit belt only while the unit is retracted within the housing, and the belt moves above the first and second compartments of the requested drawer unit.
Rollers at opposite ends of the insert
First and second rollers are supported at opposite ends of each insert.
Claim 1 covers a secured cabinet in which a controller directs movable belts to align openings with selected compartments in slidable drawer units. The dependent claims add item-restraining devices, limits and location for belt movement, and rollers at opposite ends of the inserts.
Stated Advantages
Selecting the shorter belt-travel direction reduces access time.
Locking and tamper-detection features restrict and record unauthorized movement.
Documented Applications
The secured cabinet is described for storing and providing controlled access to medical supplies.
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